Cox Plate to move to Flemington for 2026 edition

The W. S. Cox Plate, Australia’s premier weight-for-age horse race, will be held at Flemington Racecourse on Saturday, October 24, 2026. This marks the first time in the event's 106-edition history that the race will be staged away from its traditional home at Moonee Valley.

The relocation is due to a $3 billion redevelopment of the Moonee Valley site, described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ project. The works include the construction of a new grandstand, thoroughbred racing centre, and a residential precinct containing approximately 3,000 homes. Demolition is scheduled to begin following the 2025 Cox Plate.

The Moonee Valley Racing Club expects the race to return to its original venue for the 2027/2028 season. The redeveloped course will feature a reconfigured circuit with a 1702-metre circumference and an extended home straight of 317 metres.

The 2026 Cox Plate features a total prize pool of $6 million, with the winner receiving $4 million. Recent champions include Via Sistina, who won in 2025.